Two simple words to say, but hard to hear.

More and more I feel like I am starting to sound like my elders, as I ask myself what ever happen to manners? Am I just getting old and fussy or have others noticed that hearing the words thank you seems to be a lost art in today's busy world.

When driving in traffic and I see that a fellow driver that needs to get in my lane, I slow down to allow the car ahead some space. But rarely does the driver wave, a simple wave to say thank you. Its even more frustrating, when I am the one trying to merge and no one lets me in. It seems everyone else is busier and more important.

Personally, I enjoy going out of my way to make things special for my staff and students because it feels like the right thing to do. It could be something as simple as ordering pumpkins for halloween, to putting up the Christmas tree to planning a school wide play day or assembly. I am a planner and these are the things I enjoy, but I find it is always the small group of people that stop to say thank you. Sadly, others go about their day, without saying a word. Is it a sense of entitlement or just bad manners?

I cannot but think of all our front line workers who for months have been working away and putting their health and that of their families at risk because they are committed to what they do. Those in grocery stores, pharmacies, delivery drivers, to health workers in hospitals and nursing homes to name a few, I would hope people stop to say thank you!

So next time you see the mail man/woman, a cashier, the amazon delivery person or a neighbour who is a frontline worker, stop and say thank you. If someone at work or friend or even a stranger does something nice, just say thank you. I guarantee, saying thank you and showing the other person you are grateful could go a long way.